STEPHENS WITHDRAWAL OPENS DOOR FOR MCHALE

Sloane Stephens has withdrawn from the Connecticut Open presented by United Technologies and will be replaced in the main draw by fellow American and lucky loser Christina McHale.

Stephens has made a remarkable comeback from a long-term foot injury, reaching back-to-back US Open Series semifinals at the Rogers Cup in Toronto and the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

The 2013 Australian Open semifinalist cited a left wrist injury as her official withdrawal reason, but will travel to New Haven to take part in the tournament’s 20th anniversary celebrations tomorrow night and to promote her work with the charity Soles4Souls.

“Unfortunately I have made the tough decision to withdraw from New Haven,” Stephens said.

“When we set my schedule many months ago I never anticipated reaching the semi-finals of back to back events and playing nearly every day. A lingering wrist issue has flared up and I need to put my health first prior to the US Open.

"I’m so disappointed to let the tournament and fans down because the Connecticut Open is a very special event for me. I look forward to being on site tomorrow.”